Abstract: The invention provides a method of increasing the ventilation in a ventilated disc brake comprising a friction ring 2 and a bell mount 12 defining an internal cavity, by fastening in the cavity an axially inner ventilating structure 200 separate of the friction ring 2 which has vanes 208a, 208b defining channels 209a, 209b aligned with those of the disc brake. The ventilating structure 200 can have a thinner cross section, a lower density, and/or a lower thermal conductivity, than the friction ring 2. The mount additionally or alternatively includes a ventilator comprising vanes 328a, 328b defining channels 329a, 329b arranged to blow air outwardly from the interior of the cavity in a radial direction towards the caliper 4.

Abstract: A body for a disc brake caliper has a mounting side limb and a non-mounting side limb, each limb housing at least one hydraulic brake cylinder. The body has a peripheral stiffening band that extends about an outer lateral surface of at least one of the limbs. In a preferred embodiment, a peripheral stiffening band extends about an outer lateral surface of each of the limbs. The stiffening band or bands provide stiffness in the body under dynamic braking conditions with a minimum of material. A method of designing and manufacturing a body for a disc brake caliper involves analyzing the stiffness of the body under dynamic rather than static braking conditions and producing a caliper body with a desired level of stiffness under dynamic conditions while reducing the amount of material used to a minimum.

Abstract: A differential hydraulic master cylinder (10) has a cylinder body (12) in which is provided a larger diameter first chamber (18) and a smaller diameter second chamber (20). A first fluid passageway (60, 74, 78, 80) connects the first chamber (18) with a source of ambient pressure and contains a pressure relief valve (70) for connecting the first chamber with said source of ambient pressure when the pressure in the first chamber reaches a threshold value. A second fluid passageway (76, 78, 80, 82) connects the first chamber (18) with an outlet (11) and the second chamber (20). A non-return valve (72) is located in the second passageway to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the second chamber (20) to the first chamber (18) at least when the pressure relief valve (70) is open. The non-return valve (72) and the pressure relief valve (70) each have a movable valve member (100, 102, 88; 122) which are mechanically interconnected.

Abstract: A body for a disc brake caliper has a mounting side limb and a non-mounting side limb, each limb housing at least one hydraulic brake cylinder. The body has a peripheral stiffening band that extends about an outer lateral surface of at least one of the limbs. In a preferred embodiment, a peripheral stiffening band extends about an outer lateral surface of each of the limbs. The stiffening band or bands provide stiffness in the body under dynamic braking conditions with a minimum of material. A method of designing and manufacturing a body for a disc brake caliper involves analysing the stiffness of the body under dynamic rather than static braking conditions and producing a caliper body with a desired level of stiffness under dynamic conditions while reducing the amount of material used to a minimum.

Abstract: A differential hydraulic master cylinder (10) has a cylinder body (12) in which is provided a larger diameter first chamber (18) and a smaller diameter second chamber (20). A first fluid passageway (60, 74, 78, 80) connects the first chamber (18) with a source of ambient pressure and contains a pressure relief valve (70) for connecting the first chamber with said source of ambient pressure when the pressure in the first chamber reaches a threshold value. A second fluid passageway (76, 78, 80, 82) connects the first chamber (18) with an outlet (11) and the second chamber (20). A non-return valve (72) is located in the second passageway to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the second chamber (20) to the first chamber (18) at least when the pressure relief valve (70) is open. The non-return valve (72) and the pressure relief valve (70) each have a movable valve member (100, 102, 88; 122) which are mechanically interconnected.

Abstract: A brake circuit has a brake connected with a master cylinder via a brake application line. The brake master cylinder has a first chamber in which brake fluid is pressurized on movement of a first piston in a brake applying direction by an operating device. The first chamber is connected via a first port and a non-return valve with the brake application line of the circuit. A second chamber is in communication with the brake return line of the circuit via a second port and has a second piston moveable by the brake operating device in brake applying and releasing directions. The second chamber is also in communication with a reservoir via a third port when the second piston is in a fully released position.

Abstract: A brake circuit has brake means (36, 136) connected with a master cylinder (11, 111) via a brake application line (35, 135) and a brake return line (37, 137). The brake master cylinder has a first chamber (12) in which brake fluid is pressurised on movement of a first piston (13) in a brake applying direction by an operating means (24). The first chamber (12) is connected via a first port (14) and a non-return valve (15) with the brake application line (35) of the circuit. A second chamber (16) is in communication with the brake return line (37) of the circuit via a second port (18) and has a second piston (17) moveable by the brake operating means (24) in brake applying and releasing directions. The second chamber (16) is also in communication with a reservoir (19) via a third port (20) when the second piston is in a fully released position.